We’ve recognized for a few weeks now what the ROG Ally X entails. It’s utilizing the identical Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip underneath the hood, the identical 7-inch 1080p show up entrance, and an general construct that’s much like the unique mannequin. It comes with some spec bumps, however it is a refresh, not a brand new era. After utilizing the ROG Ally X at Computex 2024, nonetheless, I can’t wait to select up the hand-held for myself.
In the identical method that the Steam Deck OLED is the definitive version of the Steam Deck, the ROG Ally X is the definitive version of the ROG Ally. However Asus goes additional. There’s a large improve in battery life that might make this the longest-lasting handheld in the marketplace, a collection of software program fixes, and even just a little further efficiency.
Sure, a efficiency bump
Let’s speak about that further efficiency as a result of it’s a facet of the ROG Ally X that hasn’t gotten a lot consideration. You’re getting the Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip similar to the unique mannequin, that’s not altering, however there’s nonetheless further efficiency potential right here. That comes right down to the RAM. You’re now getting 24GB of LPDDR5x, and it’s sooner at 7,500 MT/s. That has some large implications.
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The Ryzen Z1 Excessive is a system-on-a-chip (SoC), and each the CPU and GPU share a reminiscence pool. On the unique mannequin, dedicating extra of the reminiscence to the GPU may enhance efficiency in some titles, notably those who stress VRAM. With extra and sooner RAM, the ROG Ally X has much more room. You may allocate a full 8GB to the GPU now, all whereas preserving 16GB reserved for the system.
Asus isn’t claiming higher efficiency with the ROG Ally X, however I wouldn’t be stunned if that’s what we see in video games like Forza Horizon 5, Hogwarts Legacy, and Resident Evil 4. I wasn’t in a position to correctly benchmark these video games in my hands-on time with the machine, but it surely shouldn’t be lengthy earlier than I’ve a tool in my fingers for correct testing.
Greater than a black end
Externally, the ROG Ally X seems similar to the unique mannequin, however that undersells simply how a lot is new. The chassis design is totally completely different, with extra rounded corners. Asus additionally angled the buttons and triggers for a extra comfy really feel within the fingers, and it changed each the joysticks and D-pad, which had been two factors of competition on the unique mannequin.
It feels significantly better. Specifically, the triggers really feel higher. On the unique Ally, the triggers are flat and align with the bumpers, however now they’ve a slight curve to them. As well as, Asus tweaked the angle at which the joysticks and buttons are set aside from one another, making it really feel extra like a controller. By far the most important improve is the macro placement, although. They’re cleanly out of your method, and also you’re free to neglect about them if you want.
The largest improve
Though the texture within the fingers and efficiency enhance are upsides, there’s little doubt that the star of the present is the battery. The ROG Ally X comes with an 80 Whr battery, which is double the dimensions of the unique mannequin. The hand-held is just barely heavier in consequence, too — it’s 678 grams as a substitute of 607 grams; you wouldn’t be capable of inform with out a side-by-side comparability.
It’s arduous to check battery life in a brief hands-on time, however I seen the battery lasting for much longer in demanding video games than I’m used to. In Armored Core VI, I dropped about 10% of the battery in 20 minutes of gameplay — and that was on the Turbo mode that pulls 25 watts. If you happen to extrapolate that out, you’re getting simply over three hours in a demanding AAA recreation with the best energy mode. That’s about double what the bottom ROG Ally is able to, in order that wouldn’t be stunning.
Battery life is such a vital element with a handheld, and it goes past simply capability (I’m have a look at you, MSI Claw). Nevertheless, we have already got a basis with the ROG Ally X. The additional RAM will devour a bit extra energy, however from the display to the Ryzen Z1 Excessive chip, we all know how a lot energy the hand-held requires. I wouldn’t be stunned if we find yourself seeing upwards of a 40% improve in battery life in actual use, which is large.
For now, although, we simply have the capability and my brief hands-on time to go on. As soon as the ROG Ally X is right here, we’ll be capable of run it by way of our battery benchmarks to see how a lot that further capability is de facto doing.
The definitive model of the ROG Ally
The redesigned shell, further RAM, and bigger battery take heart stage, however Asus made different enhancements, as effectively. You’re getting a 1TB SSD, for instance, and it’s an M.2 2280 SSD, so upgrades needs to be simpler and cheaper. Asus additionally changed the proprietary XG Cellular connection with twin USB-C ports, one among which helps USB 4 for exterior GPUs.
I’m assured saying now that should you’re out there for the ROG Ally, it’s price ready for the ROG Ally X. You’re getting an enormous improve, and I don’t want a collection of benchmarks to let you know that. The extra attention-grabbing query, and the one I’ll be specializing in as soon as I’ve a tool in my fingers, is that if it’s price upgrading from one other handheld. The Steam Deck OLED nonetheless supplies stiff competitors at a cheaper price, and if the value drops on the unique ROG Ally, it could be a greater purchase. From my first look, although, these handhelds have an uphill battle towards the ROG Ally X.
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